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It is very obviously conservative in language and origin; you only have to read French's bio or about where The Dispatch's come sfrom. Their tag line is, "Fact-

It is very obviously conservative in language and origin; you only have to read French's bio or about where The Dispatch's come sfrom. Their tag line is, "Fact-based reporting and commentary on politics, policy and culture -- informed by conservative principles". 5 years ago this would have no question passed for a conservative piece. What has shifted here is the rapid Republican/Trumpist slide toward authoritarianism. So I read this as a conservative who is shocked by the monster he helped unleash. I also don't think it's particularly well thought through, in that it tries to both-sides the problem with a false equivalency between "cancel culture" (that is, people using their free speech and free association) and right-wing attempts to use the power of the state to win a culture war (which clearly violates free speech). And the fundamental premise in the title is nonsensical. It's like saying, "Having bouncers can't make a bar popular." Yes, duh, and nobody thinks otherwise.

ianai 5y ago
But aren’t bouncers a sign of a very popular bar? I don’t think that makes the point they’re targeting as an analogy. Good comment though.
- wpietri 5y ago
  Bouncers aren't there to create a healthy bar. They're there to set a minimum standard for behavior. E.g.: https://twitter.com/iamragesparkle/status/1280891537451343873?lang=en https://twitter.com/iamragesparkle/status/128089153745134387...
deleted 5y ago
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klyrs 5y ago
> So I read this as a conservative who is shocked by the monster he helped unleash. That's an interesting read on the situation. If conservatives are rethinking their devotion to a would-be dictator, would you silence their ruminations?
- hotpotamus 5y ago
  This is not a re-thinking. French and the founders of The Dispatch are one of a small group who were and remain "Never Trump" conservatives. I get the sense they are among the few who actually believed in the principled conservatism that Republicans liked to talk about until it became unpopular among their base. I may not agree with French, but I 100% believe that he is being intellectually honest from his point of view and will continue to share his views that way. See also The Bulwark for a similar group who I think actually seem to be moving leftward a bit in ideology (from center-right to center perhaps; they'd bristle at being placed anywhere on the left) and David Frum. They are the conservatives I find most interesting to listen to because they chose to be honest even when it cost them money/viewers/influence. But there are not that many in this camp.
  - wpietri 5y ago
    I partly agree. But I especially agree it isn't a re-thinking, and that's one of the beefs I have with French. I have not seen him grapple with either his role in the problem or whether repeating his previous behaviors will lead to a solution. Which is why I think both-sidesing the problem, as he does here, is at best unhelpful.
- wpietri 5y ago
  Where did you get the idea I think French should be silenced?

ianai 5y ago

But aren’t bouncers a sign of a very popular bar? I don’t think that makes the point they’re targeting as an analogy. Good comment though.

wpietri 5y ago
Bouncers aren't there to create a healthy bar. They're there to set a minimum standard for behavior. E.g.: https://twitter.com/iamragesparkle/status/1280891537451343873?lang=en https://twitter.com/iamragesparkle/status/128089153745134387...

deleted 5y ago

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klyrs 5y ago

> So I read this as a conservative who is shocked by the monster he helped unleash. That's an interesting read on the situation. If conservatives are rethinking their devotion to a would-be dictator, would you silence their ruminations?

hotpotamus 5y ago
This is not a re-thinking. French and the founders of The Dispatch are one of a small group who were and remain "Never Trump" conservatives. I get the sense they are among the few who actually believed in the principled conservatism that Republicans liked to talk about until it became unpopular among their base. I may not agree with French, but I 100% believe that he is being intellectually honest from his point of view and will continue to share his views that way. See also The Bulwark for a similar group who I think actually seem to be moving leftward a bit in ideology (from center-right to center perhaps; they'd bristle at being placed anywhere on the left) and David Frum. They are the conservatives I find most interesting to listen to because they chose to be honest even when it cost them money/viewers/influence. But there are not that many in this camp.
- wpietri 5y ago
  I partly agree. But I especially agree it isn't a re-thinking, and that's one of the beefs I have with French. I have not seen him grapple with either his role in the problem or whether repeating his previous behaviors will lead to a solution. Which is why I think both-sidesing the problem, as he does here, is at best unhelpful.
wpietri 5y ago
Where did you get the idea I think French should be silenced?